With global energy demand set to double by 2050 concern about climate change, carbon emissions and security of supply is driving new pressures in the utilities industry. Current legislation requires Spanish Utilities to find ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, lower energy consumption and introduce alternative fuels. Driving operational efficiency is also a top priority amidst ageing infrastructures, a shortage of labour and squeezed margins. And increasing customer expectations mean utilities need to find ways to deliver better customer service. GAS NATURAL FENOSA (GNF) is the Spanish leading multinational group in the energy sector and a pioneer in the integration of gas and electricity, two forms of energy which we supply to around 20 million customers, spread across in more than 25 countries over the five continents. With almost 170 years’ experience in the world of energy GNF has developed a competitive business model, based on a balance between the regulated and deregulated gas and electricity businesses, with a growing and diversified contribution from international activity. GNF and GTD have established technological relationship since year 2008 , When GNF was expanding its customer network and services and was demanding reliable technological partners in the area of real time data processing and telecommunications. GNF recognizes that the traditional grid, which has not significantly changed in 100 years, must be replaced by more efficient, flexible and intelligent energy-distribution networks, called smart grids. These are digitally monitored, self-healing energy systems that deliver electricity or gas from generation sources, including distributed renewable sources, to points of consumption. They optimize power delivery and facilitate two-way communication across the grid, enabling end-user energy management, minimizing power disruptions and transporting only the required amount of power. The result is lower cost to the utility and the customer, more reliable power, and reduced carbon emissions. The GTD’s Smart Grid products gives utilities the means to meet these challenges - remote data management and monitoring capabilities, automation and control, and the systems for the effective utilisation and safe management of transmission and distribution networks. The Smart Grid not only enables utilities to deliver Electricity or Gas in a sustainable, economic, efficient and secure way, but it also opens up opportunities for the development of other new low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and the smart home. GTD’s smart metering systems are being used to facilitate a wide range of applications in the fields of remote meter reading, customer relationship management, demand-side management and value-added services. Smart meters that enable two-way communication between the meter and the central system are making it possible to engage with consumers in new and innovative ways and to deliver a higher level of customer service than ever before. The first immediate benefit is the ability to provide business and residential customers with energy bills based on actual, rather than estimated, consumption. All improvements of the billing process contribute to improved cash flow, less bad debt, and fewer inquiries over billing and payments. Smart metering is also an enabler for new pre-paid energy services that can be offered to customers who lack the funds for an up-front deposit or high pre-payments.
